This story contains matured scenes, read at your own risk. (18+)
Gael's lips parted when Oliver told him the reason why they're there.
"Oliver, bawal ito. Baka mawala ang scholarship ko kapag nalaman ni coach na nandito tayo," alalang-alala na sabi ni Gael. Student athletes like them are forbidden to engage with this kind of competition.
"Don't worry, only members of this club are allowed to go here and cameras are also forbidden here."
"Bakit ako na hindi miyembro ay nakapasok? Ayoko rito, Oliver," ani Gael.
"I thought you're the fastest swimmer in our University? Why are you so afraid?"
"Hindi ako takot lumaban, takot akong masira ang pangalan ko."
"Now, you're really proven that you're gay."
"Hindi ako nagbibiro, Oliver. Uuwi ako sa ayaw at sa gusto mo," mariing sabi ni Gael.
"Fuck it! Fine! You're not going to compete! Just watch me so you can see!" Hindi naman nakasagot si Gael sa sinabing iyon Oliver.
"I shouldn't have brought you here if you're just going to be pussy," iritableng sabi pa ni Oliver. Hindi naman mapigilang masaktan ni Gael sa sinabing iyon ni Oliver sa kanya.
"Let's go, fag," malamig na sabi ni Oliver sa kanya at naunang naglakad. Wala namang nagawa si Gael kung hindi ang sumunod sa binata.
Pumasok sila sa isa pang pinto at doon ay sinalubong sila ng maraming tao. Agad namang kinabahan si Gael dahilan para biglang siyang mapahawak sa braso ni Oliver na nasa unahan lang niya.
"What?!" Oliver said annoyingly. Bumitiw si Gael sa pagkakahawak kay Oliver dahil alam niyang galit na ito sa kanya.
"S—sorry, hindi kasi ako sanay sa maraming tao," Gael reasoned. Well, it's true. He doesn't like being or talking with a lot of people. Kahit nga ang humarap sa kamera ay ayaw niya. Kaya sa tuwing mayroong mga media na gustong mag-interview sa kanya, kung anu-ano na lamang ang kanyang dinadahilan. Gael might not be totally aware about the fact that he's a known person. In fact, his coach is dreaming to see him compete in the sea games.
"Oli! Finally you're here!" Isang pamilyar na lalaki ang lumapit sa kanila at binati si Oliver. Tiningnan naman iyon ni Gael at iniisip niya kung saan niya nakita ang pamilyar na lalaki.
"Am I late?" Oliver asked.
"No bro, you're just on time!" tugon ng lalaki at napatingin kay Gael. He looked surprised seeing Gael there.
"Hi! Nice meeting you again!" saad nito at naglahad ng kamay.
"A—Ah, nice meeting you too?" ani Gael at pilit na inaalala kung saan niya ito nakita.
"Oh, I think you forgot me. I'm Harvy, you beat me in 2013." Gael automatically remembered him.
"Sorry if I forgot," nahihiyang sabi ni Gael.
"No worries! I'm not someone who should be remembered," nakangiting tugon ni Harvy at bigla siyang inakbayan.
"Are you here to fight?" tanong nito. Hindi naman makasagot si Gael nang maayos dahil naiilang siya sa pagkakalapit nito.
